Saturday, March 26, 2011

My Unique "Robe Tunique"

I think I became obsessed with finding and owning an authentic 1930s tunic dress after seeing Irene Dunne wearing one to great advantage in the movie, Roberta. Just in time for my birthday, I acquired one. Here's a better picture of the frock that more accurately captures its length (the photo my wonderful but distinctly taller husband took for the last post makes it look like it falls to my ankle). Prior to finding this dress, I actually found a 30s pattern for a tunic blouse. This style is so fun, I think I might eventually have to make a few fall blouses that I can wear over skirts to create a similar look. Once again, 30s dress design proves itself to be anything but boring! The cinnabar shoes, which I was told are late 30s, were also a fun vintage find, but the back strap on the left shoe broke, so have to take them in to be repaired before I can truly show them. Oh, please ignore the ivy decorations and blue wall paint distracting from the effect of the deco shaping on our front hall doorways. The previous owners of the house did this and we just haven't repainted *yet*.

21 comments:

This is just so lovely. I think 1930's dresses are some of my favorites. I found a few that I really wanted at the Vintage Expo in San Francisco but they were a bit of my price range. I adore the color and cut of this one. Happy birthday! xoxo

The dress looks impressive, I love the color and the style I think suit you perfectly.!I was actually wondering about this style of dress the other day and how it would look one me, but I have doubts as to the success of that. There are also some patterns of knitting, not only 30's but also 20's I believe, that have a long tunic over the skirt, the proportions are somewhat different to the style you're showing. It's those that tickle my fancy, but I don't know...

Wow, I want one too!! That length is so elegant. There's something very Edwardian about it and I love that. You're right, I think a tunic blouse would be great for fall and winter. Mmmm, toasty! The colors are so beautiful too.

I LOVE this dress! I adore the cuffs and collar--so beautiful! I've been wanting to make a tunic dress for awhile and have one waiting in my stack of patterns (it's actually the pattern I bought the hat for!!!)

Thanks!Lindsay: I'm not sure if I read your comment right, but just in case, I took that photo inside my house, near my front door.Jennyboo: yes, due to their scarcity (esp. in great condition), they can come with higher price tags than items from other eras....especially at Vintage Fairs. That's why I like to hunt my treasures in the "wild" (i.e. directly), but that's only because I have the luxury of time and energy to devote to vintage sourcing full time. Anyway, THANK YOU!

garofit: thank you! You and Brittany are right to notice the Edwardian/20s associations. I think this tunic look was popular across decades (and of course during the Victorian era amongst the Pre-Raphaelite set with Aesthetic dress, etc). I guess the key is where the waistline falls, the length and shaping of the overlayer, and the shaping and length of the underlayer that marks the difference between the 20s version of this look and the 30s one? Interesting to ponder....

Debi: while sourcing images of patterns, I actually ended up back on your post about a tunic dress being on your list of garments to make. You MUST make one. I can't wait to see...especially with that darling hat!!!

Dakota: I am in love with all those buttons, as well (although one lost its cap and another is at risk of losing its fabric covering). Anyway, thank you. It was a great find for me.

I think the tunic look was part of the mid 30s Edwardian/Victorian revival, i long to have one but I think i shall have to make one from a pattern.PS My house also has stencilled ivy on the landing from a previous owner AND its on top of woodchip:-(

You look picture perfect in that ensemble (slightly hyperventilating over seeing it and your shoes- gosh!)- for some reason lately I’ve been drawn to the many tunic styles- (how strange) but if I came across an original, I probably wouldn’t be able afford it, so I’ll have to find a pattern! I LOVE to colour combo… oh, and the collar and cuffs are super!Tups x